Saturday, August 1, 2009

A.W.E.D German Event Announcement

A.W.E.D (A Worldly Epicurean's Delight), has arrived here this month. A.W.E.D is an event started by dear DK of Chef In You. I thank dear DK for this opportunity.

Now let us take a look at what we are planning for this month. I had lived in Germany, Munich for three years. I loved the place, the people, the country and ofcourse the food. I had a very wonderful neighbor Mrs. Ute Wieland who taught me many German Dishes, German Language and so on. So I am hosting A.W.E.D German this month as a way of thanking her and the country.

There is no one way to define German food. The cuisine is as diverse as the country itself - with each region having its own specialties. We can say, however, that German food is very tasty; it is rich in tradition and history; and it can satisfy even the most discriminating of palates. German cooking is full of inspiring, European flavors, ingredients and cream, lots of cream.

Essen und Trinken hält Leib und Seele zusammen.

(deutsches Sprichwort)

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Food and drink hold the body and soul together.

(traditional German saying)

“Typical German cuisine”

Germany is renowned for its heavy, substantial regional cuisine - you should really give them a try. Typical examples include Roast pork with dumplings from Bavaria, "Rheinischer Sauerbraten" (beef marinated in red wine vinegar, served with dumplings), ribs and sauerkraut or "Himmel un Äd" meaning Heaven and Earth. This dish is made of black pudding, potatoes and apple sauce.

International influenceDishes like these have strong traditional regional roots, but German food is more varied than you might think. Germans like to travel troughout the world. This adventurous side has left its mark and has dramatically changed culinary life over the past 50 years. In fact, the Germans are among those with the most international range of food in Europe.The seven million foreigners who live here and who have brought their foods with them have made important contributions to this development. Practically each and every cuisine is represented: Asian and Mediterranean, Turkish and African, Thai, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese, Greek, Spanish and Moroccan. And Italian, to name but a few.

Organic foodAnother major change came with the "organic" movement (which Germans call Öko). Suddenly, people were fascinated with growing their own food. Organic foods can be found almost everywhere, now. And, what's more, this fascination inspired more men to cook and so discover the kitchen!

Breakfast

German breakfast habits are much the same as in other countries. A good, traditional breakfast includes bread, toast, and/or bread rolls, marmalade, honey, eggs, cold meats, such as ham and salami, various cheeses, all washed down with a strong cup or pot of tea or coffee.However, with today's busy lifestyles there is a growing trend towards eating a more simple breakfast. Today, you are more likely to see people eating cereals rather than a hearty meal of bread, cheese and sausage. Nevertheless, on the weekend the family has more time for a traditional breakfast of breads accompanied by a cheese or meat selection.

Lunch

Traditionally, Germans eat their main meal during the day, between 12 and 2 p.m. However, today, the midday meal is often eaten away from home, i.e. at work. With the increase in health and weight consciousness, lunches are becoming more light, and sometimes are nothing more than a snack.

DinnerThis is the main meal today, usually eaten at home with the family in the evening. Traditionally, the German dinner – called “Abendbrot”, meaning "evening bread", consists of a selection of whole grain bread, deli meats and sausages, cheese and a cold or warm drink. Yet, eating habits changed over time and today, many families eat the warm meal in the evening.Pork, beef, and poultry dishes are the favourite main courses. But here too, change is in progress. Seafood used to be the domain of the northern coastal areas. But seawater fish like fresh herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines or freshwater fish like trout, salmon, bream and carp are popular across the country today.

Side dishes

Germans have always liked their side dishes. Noodles, potatoes and dumplings in all forms are very common - especially in the south. A wide variety of vegetables can be found nationwide. Vegetables are often eaten in stews or vegetable soups. Carrots, turnips, spinach, peas, beans and many types of cabbage are very common. Fried onions are a common addition to many meat dishes throughout the country. Potatoes, while a mojar part of the diet, are usually not counted among vegetables by Germans. Asparagus, especially white asparagus known as Spargel, is particularly enjoyed in Germany as a side dish or as a main meal. Many towns and cities have farmer's markets where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meats, fish and much more.

The other kind of side dish noodles are usually thicker than Italian Pasta. Especially in the south-western part of the country, the predominant variety of noodles is Spaetzle which contains a very large amount of yolk.

German bread

German bread is famous all over the world. German bakers and patisseries are popular in many countries. A German baker can be found from Sydney to New York, from London to Tokyo, from Johannesburg to Rio. Bread is fundamental to the German food and is known in many countries. It is darker and some kinds are baked with wholemeal and whole seeds. The traditional evening meal used to be a couple of slices of bread, some cold meat, cheese and a cold or warm drink. And bread was the staple diet.

Coffee and CakeKaffee und Kuchen literally means "Coffee and Cake" and is very similar to the English "Teatime". Germany is also renowned for its wide variety of cakes, often including fresh fruit. "Quarkkuchen" (Cheesecake) and "Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte" (Black Forest Gateaux) are very popular. Usually the cakes and pastries are accompanied by a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea.

Instructions for the A.W.E.D - German:

(a) Prepare a Dish that is a Vegetarian[Egg’s are allowed].Non-Vegetarian not allowed.

(b) Post as many German Dishes with Recipes as you like on your blog this August 2009. The more the better.

(c) Linking back to this A.W.E.D German Announcement and to DK's blog is a must.

(d) It would also be very much appreciated if you can also include more information about Germany.

(f) Using the Logo to the event is also appreciated.

(g) Old post’s are also accepted only if it is re-published and linked back to this announcement post and to DK's blog.

(h) E-mail me to kitchenchronicles1(AT)gmail(dot)com with SUBJECT as A.W.E.D - German along with the following details..

Your Name:Your Blog Name:Name of the Dish: Link/URL of the Post: Attach a Picture of the Dish. Size 300 x 300 .

(i) Deadline for all the entries will be the 5’th of September-2009.

(j) You don't have a blog but want to take part in this event, it’s not at all a problem. You can send me your Recipe along with the picture of the dish to kitchenchronicles1(AT)gmail(dot)com with SUBJECT as A.W.E.D - German. Don’t forget to mention your name and your location.